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I know that the Corona Virus is on everyone’s mind these
days and that everyone is feeling and experiencing fear, frustration, and yes,
even depression.

Our routines have been uprooted. Everything we are used to
doing has changed. The gyms are closed. We can’t meet friends for coffee or a
meal in a restaurant. It’s not even advised to invite anyone to your home because
we don’t know if they might inadvertently be a carrier. By the way the
incubation period is two to fourteen days, with a median of five.

So this situation got me thinking: what can we
do to protect our mental health during the Covid-19 crisis?

First and foremost, we need to remember that we care about
each other and we want and need to do what’s best for our families and our
community, and if you’re in human resources, or are a business leader, our
employees. That means, as you know, shelter in place.

Also we want to try and focus on resilience. Resilience
is about being able to respond to any challenge. We’ve never had a challenge
that has impacted the whole world simultaneously, in most of our lifetimes. I
believe the last was the Spanish Flu 100 years ago.

Remember, there are things we can control and things we
can’t control. We can’t control the virus, as individuals, but we can
control our thoughts, which impact our feelings, our actions, and
reactions. This is not to say that I have not had a moment of anxiety or
fear or frustration, but when I stop, I realize that fear is not going to be
helpful, and that I could heed my own advice and monitor my thoughts. Also,
I remember that we are staying home because we want to save lives and slow the
spread of the virus.

We don’t want to let this situation freak us out, but we do
want to be careful. We want to stay focused and as much as possible remain
positive.

Recently my friend, MJ Shaar went on Linkedin and taught us
that “Positive emotions are the best defense we have right now against fear,
besides handwashing and social distancing.” We can still remain
social, just by different means.

And speaking of positivity, did you know that laughter
brings us happiness chemicals, like endorphins? So put on a funny
video and get to laughing.

So, let’s all focus on the beauty of the situation…instead
of worrying about what you are going to do at home all day with your kids.
Cherish that time together and take advantage of some of the online resources.
Do projects together – make drawings, games, etc. Teach your children how to cook
healthy meals.

Also try to focus on the good things,the silver
lining of the Corona Virus:

First it unites us as
a people worldwide against this common a deadly virus. We are in this
together.

Second, it brings us closer
to our families.

Third, it shows us that we
are more alike than different.

Fourth, it gives working
people the opportunity to eat healthy, home-cooked meals and to save time not
commuting.

Fifth, it forces us to dig
deep to find three good things to be grateful for.

Sixth, we have more time to
exercise. How about taking a hike with your family or dancing to some popular
music? I’ve been teaching Zoom-based Zumba classes and I realize how
much better I feel because I’ve had a good workout.

In terms of working remotely, the key is connection and
communication. Look at what will work, rather than what won’t. So
don’t practice social distancing, just physical distancing.

Finally and most important, we will discover that we are resilient
and that we will come through this pandemic stronger and wiser. We are in this
fight together. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to
in a while. This is a great time to connect with old friends and relatives.

We all can learn to live a life of compassion and care for
one another, looking for what makes us alike rather than different. So,
let’s take that lesson and carry it forward into the future.

I wish you all health and safety during this crisis and beyond.

Janice Litvin is a workplace wellness speaker and coach
offering VIRTUAL as well as LIVE presentations and workshops. She can be
reached at Janice@JaniceLitvin.com
or on Linkedin or all the other social media, including Youtube.

The issue of managing stress in the workplace is not really new, but what is new is the relentless pace of business today. The “always on” nature of our world which some bosses take advantage of by expecting people to be responsive 24/7. This attitude is causing staggering statistics; studies show that over 40% of all workers face high stress in their jobs, which negatively affects their productivity & their health.

This lively interactive program teaches anyone how to re-frame their behavior patterns by understanding the source of their behavior patterns and then understanding how to change them. All participants receive the Banish Burnout Toolkit™

Key take-aways:

Learn how we developed mental patterns of dealing with stress.

Learn how to recognize signs of burnout so you can head it off.

Learn three powerful strategies for managing stress for life.

The below video is a short snippet of a 75-minute presentation, which includes hands-on exercises to anchor the learning.

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How Does Being Outdoors Support Weight Loss?

Most stress-busting research today talks about tools like mindfulness, meditation, physical activity, talking with a friend or journaling to help relieve stress. On May 30th the Sierra Club published an article entitled “Can Getting Outside Really Improve Your Mental Wellness?” by Katherine Wei, in which Wei states that getting outside is proven to keep your mind healthy and relaxed. Several studies were discussed and in every case being outside was shown to have a strong influence on mood and overall outlook.

The Sierra Club article went on to support the notion that engaging in any form of physical activity in nature can boost one’s mood.

In another recent study, it was shown that walking in the afternoon, when many think of turning to caffeine can give you just the mental jolt you need to plow through the remainder of the day.1

A 2011 study quoted in the June 2nd edition of Weight Watcher Freestyle Weekly showed that “taking a stroll outdoors is associated with improved self-esteem, engagement, vitality, and revitalization – as well as feelings of energy, pleasure, and delight.”2

It is a well-known fact that aerobic activity improves mood, quality of life, self-esteem, sleep quality, and overall ability to handle stress.

As I have said before in this blog, choosing a physical activity, particularly an outdoor activity that one considers fun and a friend to join you will enhance the intrinsic motivators needed to sustain a physically fit lifestyle.3

To take this research a step further, I looked at how I could apply the above ideas to supporting healthy eating.

When an overeater gets stressed, the idea of food simply jumps into their mind. Who ever conceived of being outside as a curative for overeating?

The notion that being outdoors creates a feeling of enhanced mood or happiness can help reduce emotional food cravings.

So similar to using mindful meditation to create a feeling of calm or inner peace, the great outdoors can also enhance that peaceful feeling. And that is when an overeater’s food trigger gets reduced or even eliminated, when they are not stressed.

When applied to the workplace, this notion of reducing stress by going outdoors is powerful. Many American workers experience some level of stress during most workweeks. So why not encourage outdoor activities, like a daily walk around the block or an outdoor walking meeting to reduce workplace stress?

2 Environmental Science Technology “Does Participating in Physical Activity in Outdoor Natural Environments Have a greater Effect on Physical and Mental Wellbeing than Physical Activity Indoors?” This research

San Francisco-based Janice Litvin is available for keynotes or workplace wellness programs. Contact her via email at Janice@JaniceLitvin.com or by calling 415.518.2202. Look for her upcoming book, Working Well: How to Succeed at Workplace Wellness, due out by December, 2018.